AIRLIE BEACH Festival of Music is bringing a lineup so stacked, it should come with a baggage limit!
The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy and Diesel – icons who’ve filled stadiums and soundtracked generations – are just a taste of the legends hitting the Whitsundays, from November 7 to 9, 2025.
But forget what you know about festivals.
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music isn’t just about setlists and schedules – it’s about diving headfirst into an adventure in one of the most spectacular locations on the planet!
There’s no better anthem for this festival than ‘Run to Paradise’.
Picture this – the main stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club sits right on the Coral Sea foreshore, with other world-class acts such as the Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl and Jayne Denham playing under the big top tent, as the Whitsunday Islands set the backdrop.
And the music? It doesn’t stay in one place.
From intimate gigs in cafes, to rock ‘n roll bands in bars, the entire town of Airlie Beach becomes one giant stage.
While a lot of festivals are falling by the wayside, frontman of The Screaming Jets Dave Gleeson hands it to the team behind the Airlie Beach Festival of Music for keeping the spirit alive.
“It takes guts to keep pushing forward in this climate, but they’re doubling down to create a community, a vibe and a space where we can all just be in the moment,” he said
“I’m stoked to be part of it this November and can’t wait to experience it all.”
And it’s not just the big names making waves.
Last year’s ‘Passport to Airlie’ winner, Tom Neilson, is returning to take centre stage, kicking off Friday night’s entertainment right after this year’s champion is crowned.
From winning the country’s largest live original music discovery platform to launching into the festival spotlight, Neilson’s journey is proof that Airlie Beach Festival of Music isn’t just about celebrating legends – it’s about discovering them.
Festival Director Gavin ‘Butto’ Butlin knows it’s the depth of talent that makes the festival a stand-out, with favourites such as Hillbilly Goats, James Bennett and Andy Penkow also added to the lineup.
“It’s like throwing every musical flavour into a blender and hitting ‘puree’ – you get over 60 acts from every corner of the country, serving up everything from acoustic vibes to high voltage anthems,” Mr Butlin said.
“One minute you’re swaying to a soulful ballad, the next you’re front row, fists in the air, screaming lyrics with a packed-out crowd. That’s the magic.”
Airlie Beach isn’t just hosting a festival – it’s living it.
From the sponsors and partners, to small businesses and passionate volunteers, the community’s unwavering support powers this event.
It’s an all-in collaboration that turns the festival into something unforgettable, year after year.
If you needed another reason to lock in your leave and pack your party shoes, Airlie Beach Festival of Music was named one of the top four ‘Festival of the Year’ finalists at the Queensland Music Awards!
And why stop at just the festival?
Extend your stay and swap your festival wristband for a snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef or leave your footprints on the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
The message? This isn’t just another festival – it’s one of the best destination music events in the country.
Be part of the escape. Be part of the experience.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music. November 7 to 9, 2025. Tickets on sale now!
